Fall Fun Facts

Summer seems like a distant memory, and fall is in full swing. Leaves are changing colors, acorns abound, and even the chipmunks are running like crazy to get their food stored up. Some of us are starting to get excited about the upcoming holiday season. For many, the holiday season is all about fun and family, but for others it’s the dreaded beginning of endless food, gaining 10 pounds and the subsequent follow up to that: New Year’s Resolutions (UGH!). 

How can you approach this year a little differently?  Perhaps with some Self- Acceptance, Love, Gratitude, and a Plan to Succeed?

I’d like to share a few of my favorite things and maybe surprise you with some fun facts about some of my favorite foods and other things to help you through the fall and into the holiday season.

Nuts

They may be tiny but nuts are full of antioxidants, have anti-immunity properties and are great sources of fiber, good fats, and protein. Try making a “snack pack” filled with an assortment of almonds, walnuts, and pecans so you have something healthy in a pinch or on the go.

Whole Grains

These are what our bodies need for energy. The fiber helps lower our cholesterol levels and improve gastrointestinal function, and the filling effect of whole grains help to prevent us from overeating. They are also full of antioxidants. Start your day with a bowl of wholesome slow cooking oatmeal, filled with toppings of your choice (milk, raisins, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, bananas, and/or blueberries). Limit overdoing it on “unholy” grains such as white bread, rice, pasta, cookies, cakes and such, as these will convert quickly into glucose (aka sugar) in your body, causing spikes and drops in your blood sugar, which can also affect your mood.

Coffee

Not only do I love the smell and taste, but it’s good for your heart health, and boosts energy levels. Try a cup in the morning to get your day going, but follow it up with a big glass of water with a slice of lemon, to flush out your system and hydrate you. If you are not a coffee drinker, try some green tea! While some people enjoy an afternoon pick me up, be aware of how the caffeine affects your sleep, and adjust accordingly.

Yoga

One of my personal favorites, yoga helps with bone health, flexibility, aerobic strength, mental clarity, and it helps build muscles. If you don’t enjoy yoga try another group activity such as a spinning/cycling class, a strength/aerobics type class, or even a water aerobics class. Spending time with others while getting in your daily exercise requirement of 30 minutes/day will elevate your mood and your health.

The Sun

Not only does the sun provide light and warmth, it helps your body break down and create Vitamin D and helps to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which usually starts in the fall and can make you tired, moody, and even depressed. Try and get outside even if it’s cold for some bundled up sunshine and activity. If your Vitamin D levels are low, speak with your physician about adding a supplement to your diet.

Lastly, spend time quality time appreciating what you have, accepting yourself the way you are, and sharing the love you have with others. Start a gratitude journal, share 3 things you are grateful for with a loved one, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, tell someone what you love and appreciate about them. You can always look up and you can always look down, but make sure to also take the time to look at where you are and enjoy the moments. That is a plan to succeed.

 

Recipes

Overnight Oatmeal

•     ½ c. rolled oats
•     1 t chia seeds
•     2/3 c unsweetened soy milk
•     1 t maple syrup
•     1 T unsweetened shredded coconut
•     1 T sliced almonds
•     1 T raisins

Add the ingredients in the order listed into a small mason jar. Place in the fridge overnight. Mix and enjoy in the morning either cold or warmed up in the microwave.

No Bake Chocolate Granola Bars (from Marathon Mom @pinterest)

•     ½ c natural peanut butter
•     ¼ c local honey
•     ¼ c unsalted butter or coconut oil
•     1 ½ c oats (not the quick kind)
•     2 T wheat germ or ground flax
•     ¼ c unsweetened shredded coconut
•     ½ c chocolate chips

Melt the first 3 ingredients in a pot over medium to low heat, stirring constantly, then turn off when melted. Pour the oats and wheat germ/ground flaxseed in and stir till combined. Wait until cool, then stir in the coconut and chips. Pour into a foil lined 8X8 pan and put in fridge until cooled. Flip out onto a cutting board and cut to size you like. 

Enjoy!